Paper Conference
Proceedings of Building Simulation 2023: 18th Conference of IBPSA
The use of phase change materials in heating buildings: a solar-adaptive passive system
The use of phase change materials in heating buildings: a solar-adaptive passive system
Elence Xinzhu Chen 1,2, Ali Malkawi 1,21 Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA2 Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities, Cambridge, MA 02138, USADOI: https://doi.org/10.26868/25222708.2023.1313Abstract: This study proposes a Phase Change Materials (PCM) integrated solar-adaptive passive heating system, which provides heating and meets the ventilation requirements through a passive manner, resulting in reduced energy consumption. The thermal behavior of PCM panels with different PCM-encapsulated cell shapes, orientations, cell sizes, and inlet air velocity was comprehensively investigated. Simulation results show that PCM encapsulated in hexagonal cells with horizontal orientation and a radius of 16.5mm provide the best thermal performance by delivering the highest average outlet air temperature and larger enthalpy change over time. By installing the proposed system on a south-facing façade in a 20m2 office space in Boston and mixing the same amount of indoor and outdoor air, the system helps to reduce approximately 20% of energy reduction. Keywords: Phase Change Materials, Passive System, Thermal Behavior, Energy ReductionPages: 3248 - 3255 Paper:bs2023_1313